Real or Fake News

Fargo North Dakota man arrested for clearing snow with a flame thrower.

• Yes, this is a real news story

• No. this is not a real news story

Answer explanation

• It’s no secret that North Dakota can get a lot of snow in winter, so something like this article can easily catch someone’s interest because we all eventually get sick of snow and likely consider taking a flamethrower to our snowbanks.

• This story has resurfaced on social media each winter since it was first published in 2013.

• If you go to the "About" page on the original website, you'll see it's a satire website

Is this a real or fake picture of Theodore Roosevelt riding a moose.

• No this is not a real picture.

• Yes, this picture is real and was captured by photographers traveling with President Roosevelt.

Answer explanation

• Theodore Roosevelt has an impressive resume: outdoorsman and big game hunter, author, historian, politician, military commander, cowboy and rancher, conservationist, etc. Therefore, it is plausible that a man like this would attempt to ride a moose.

• However, this image has been proven by multiple credible sources to be fake (see the list below).

• This image was manipulated using very early "Photoshop" techniques (such as the clever photography and darkroom tricks that were used for tall-tale postcards).

NASA is installing internet on the moon.

• No this is obviously fake.

• Yes, this is true.

Answer explanation

This is really happening! Nasa will be building a 4G network on the moon, enabling them to control lunar robots. This story was reported by Newsround, The Independent, and several other sites.

German street covered in chocolate.

• No, this is ridiculous.

• Yes this is true.

Answer explanation

This delicious accident really happened. A ton of chocolate leaked from a chocolate factory in Westonnen, covering the pavement.

Father uses his car to pull son's tooth.

• Yes, this is true.

• No, it is too dangerous to be true.

Answer explanation

Yes, a father used his Camaro to pull out his son's loose tooth. This story is real.

California theme park bans screaming on rollercoasters and other rides due to Covid.

• No, this is not a real story.

• Yes, this is a real story. Covid is very contagious.

Answer explanation

This seems believable because there were so many new rules to prevent the spread of Covid. This rule was introduced in Japan but NOT California.

Artist sells invisible sculpture for $15,000.

• No, who would buy something that can't be seen? This is fake.

• Yes, this is true.

Answer explanation

Oddly enough this story is true. An artist had a contract to produce a piece of art for a gallery. he was behind so he said it was complete and displayed nothing. Someone bought it.

Canadian zoo is fined for taking a bear out for ice cream.

• No, this is fake. That would be very dangerous.

• Yes, this is true.

Answer explanation

This is a true story and there is video evidence to support it. Although not all video evidence is true this story is an actual true story.

Scientist teach spinach to send emails.

• No, this is obviously fake.

• Yes, this is crazy but true.

Answer explanation

Weird but true. An MIT scientist received an email from spinach. He attached vegetation sensors that send an email. This technology is being used to monitor global change.

Now, you create a news headline. It can be fake or real. If it is real provide the evidence link or an explanation.